The dashboard layout is very interesting, though. The similarity with the Civic and Fit is striking and, fortunately, the upper section has been scaled down. The instruments are easy to read and there’s plenty of information available on fuel economy and driving efficiency. The controls also prove user-friendly and within easy reach.
Meanwhile, the seats are comfortable and the front-passenger environment is reasonably spacious. In the back, legroom is adequate but the same cannot be said about headroom. People over 6 feet tall will be physically unable to find decent comfort. The rear seatbacks offer a 60/40 split to increase cargo capacity and versatility.
Different tactics
While Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive backs the electric motor with a gasoline engine, Honda is using the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology to relieve the 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder mill during sprints and certain cruising situations. Patience is required to get all 98 horses galloping, but that power will prove ample enough for Insight owners. In other words, accelerations are fairly slow, but 0-100 is not what these drivers primarily think about.
To help us reduce CO2 emissions, Honda incorporated a new feature called Eco Assist. At the push of the ECON button, the system modifies various vehicle parameters to minimize overall energy use and maximize fuel efficiency. It even features a long-term cumulative scoring system that rewards you with green "leaves" as your driving performance improves over time. And here’s another gift for you: combined city-highway fuel consumption is a low 4.8 L/100 km.
On the road, don’t expect a very entertaining driving experience -- for two reasons. One, it’s a Honda, and two, it’s a hybrid. The steering might feel slightly livelier than the Toyota’s, but there’s still a long way to go before we start praising the Insight for its sharp driving dynamics. The electric power assistance adds a definite artificial touch to the car.
The suspension delivers a very smooth ride, once again to the detriment of handling. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a good fit for this car as it further improves fuel economy. The five simulated "gears" can be shifted using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, although the whole operation doesn’t add much in terms of fun.
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| In the back, legroom is adequate but the same cannot be said about headroom. |
Meanwhile, the seats are comfortable and the front-passenger environment is reasonably spacious. In the back, legroom is adequate but the same cannot be said about headroom. People over 6 feet tall will be physically unable to find decent comfort. The rear seatbacks offer a 60/40 split to increase cargo capacity and versatility.
Different tactics
While Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive backs the electric motor with a gasoline engine, Honda is using the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology to relieve the 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder mill during sprints and certain cruising situations. Patience is required to get all 98 horses galloping, but that power will prove ample enough for Insight owners. In other words, accelerations are fairly slow, but 0-100 is not what these drivers primarily think about.
To help us reduce CO2 emissions, Honda incorporated a new feature called Eco Assist. At the push of the ECON button, the system modifies various vehicle parameters to minimize overall energy use and maximize fuel efficiency. It even features a long-term cumulative scoring system that rewards you with green "leaves" as your driving performance improves over time. And here’s another gift for you: combined city-highway fuel consumption is a low 4.8 L/100 km.
On the road, don’t expect a very entertaining driving experience -- for two reasons. One, it’s a Honda, and two, it’s a hybrid. The steering might feel slightly livelier than the Toyota’s, but there’s still a long way to go before we start praising the Insight for its sharp driving dynamics. The electric power assistance adds a definite artificial touch to the car.
The suspension delivers a very smooth ride, once again to the detriment of handling. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a good fit for this car as it further improves fuel economy. The five simulated "gears" can be shifted using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, although the whole operation doesn’t add much in terms of fun.
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| Patience is required to get all 98 horses galloping, but that power will prove ample enough for Insight owners. |